Join the Revolution in Animal Genetics by Building a Reproductive Biology Program that Improves Global Food Supply

 

Genus plc (Madison, WI) is the world’s leading animal biotechnology company, with research programs targeting genetic improvements that will help farmers produce high-quality food more efficiently and sustainably, thereby increasing the availability of affordable meat and milk for consumers. Their mission lies not only been in commercial genetics for livestock such as pigs and cattle, but also in pioneering animal genetic improvement in state-of-the-art science laboratories.

 

R&D at Genus is an exciting place, where scientists combine the power of data and analytics with bioengineering, discovering new important traits and developing them through traditional and new breeding technologies such as gene editing. In fact, IVF and gender selection technologies have already been commercialized from these same labs . . . Genus’ instrumentation platform, IntelliGen, enables the screening and processing of semen for desirable traits such as gender and they license this technology to partners all over the world. Other unique Genus tools allow R&D scientists to make precise, desirable gene edits, such as those that tackle the disease Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS – a high-cost disease for pork producers), as one example.

 

Genus is now focused on building a new and exciting Reproductive Biology program within R&D from the ground up, with an emphasis on driving cutting-edge research technologies. The ideal candidate for the role associated with this new effort will be an entrepreneurial spirited leader of reproductive biology who will gain great satisfaction from building and growing a new research program. The culture that Genus is building is a culture of innovation and people are at the focus of everything this company does.

 

Senior Director, Reproductive Biology

 

CTI Executive Search has been retained to identify a key research leader in reproductive biology who will bring experience in designing and building new programs and group functions, creating best-in-industry capabilities and technologies. The Senior Director Reproductive Biology (reporting to the Genus Chief Scientific Officer) ultimately provides the strategic vision and scientific leadership to a team focused on advancing reproductive technologies including in-vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and manipulation, embryonic stem cells, and in-vitro breeding techniques. She or he will also directly interface with research, regulatory, product development, legal and commercial teams to develop and execute plans for the commercial application of advanced reproductive techniques. 

 

The new Senior Director for Reproductive Biology will:

 

·       Provide global leadership in the development of advanced reproductive techniques, shape the direction and core capabilities for reproductive technology program development in support of Genus bovine and porcine businesses 

·       Develop and advance the embryo research priorities with focus on strategies to increase the embryo performance

·       Facilitate the advancement of IVF techniques and methods including media optimization, process optimization, and automation

·       Develop embryo stem cell capabilities and in-vitro breeding techniques through global collaborations and in-house research

·       Work closely with the CSO to develop a staffing and capability building plan to assemble necessary internal/external competencies to execute the strategic plan

·       Recruit personnel, develop, coach, and mentor technical professionals

·       Communicate effectively with team members, adjacent functional teams and senior management, keeping the executive leadership team abreast of the progress and challenges 

 

·       Develop strategy for intellectual property creation, identification and protection

·       Conduct project risk identification and mitigation action planning; work closely with portfolio management team as well as Genus R&D Strategy and Operations Lead 

·       Value and practice diversity and inclusion, building a positive culture and working environment 

·       Travel a maximum of 20%, both domestically and internationally

 

Knowledge, Track Record, and Interpersonal Skills: 

 

·       A solid understanding of animal health and nutrition

·       Experience developing short-and-long-term strategic business plans 

·       Proven records of success in one’s relevant field (publications) 

·       A strong understanding of a business environment and associated drivers 

·       Demonstrated ability to develop and implement research plans and achieve results 

·       Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse team of professionals 

·       Strong people skills with the ability to bring together various experts and functions across Genus that ensure cross-functional coordination and alignment 

·       Outstanding written and verbal communication

 

Capabilities and behaviors:

 

·       Reflect the Genus R&D aim/goal of securing the strongest talent in the industry 

·       Demonstrate and display Genus’ values and behaviors at all times in day-to-day work 

·       Be flexible with job responsibilities and consistently strive to be an effective team member 

·       Strive to advance skills and display a willingness to accept future development; a lifelong learner

·       Actively participate in training opportunities to further develop applicable skills 

·       Gain a thorough understanding of the Company’s business and the department’s role within the company

 

Education and Experience Required:

 

·       Advanced Degree (PhD, DVM, MD) in Biology, Reproductive Biology and Science (Animal or Human), Physiology, Medicine, or other relevant field

·       At least 10 years of experience managing teams and developing research plans and strategies in academic or commercial (industrial) environments, with the ideal candidate experienced in animal reproduction, embryo manipulation and/or new in vitro breeding techniques 

·       Success in leading and building a team of professionals to provide out-of-box solutions with an entrepreneurial spirit

·       Fluent in English (Spanish or Portuguese would be desirable as well)

 

 

If you are interested in this role or can provide suggested contacts for CTI on this search, please contact us in confidence. Our search is not confidential and this document may be redistributed.